Howard Draw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Howard Draw |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Reagan County, Texas 2,720 ft (830 m) |
| River mouth | Pecos River, Val Verde County, Texas 1,575 ft (480 m) |
Howard Draw is a long valley located in Texas, USA. It starts in the southern part of Reagan County, Texas and stretches all the way to the Pecos River in Val Verde County, Texas. This area is also home to a stream that shares the same name, Howard Draw.
What is Howard Draw?
Howard Draw is both a valley and a stream. The valley begins at a high point of 2,720 feet (about 829 meters) in southern Reagan County, Texas. It then runs through Crockett County, Texas before reaching its end at the Pecos River in Val Verde County, Texas, at an elevation of 1,575 feet (about 480 meters).
The stream within the valley is also called Howard Draw. It was once known as Howard Creek. This stream is an ephemeral stream, which means it only flows after heavy rain. It is a smaller stream that eventually flows into the larger Pecos River in Texas.
A Historic Water Stop
Long ago, there was an important water source called Howard Springs located in Howard Draw. These springs were a vital stop for travelers on the historic San Antonio–El Paso Road. This road was a major route for people traveling between San Antonio and El Paso. Howard Springs provided much-needed water for people and their animals in the dry Texas landscape.
The springs were found in the Howard Creek area, just above a place called Government Canyon. This made Howard Draw a key location for anyone making the long journey across Texas.
Travel Along the Old Road
The San Antonio–El Paso Road passed through Howard Draw. After leaving the Head of Devil's River at Pecos Canyon, the road traveled northwestward for 44 miles to reach the Pecos River. Along this part of the journey, travelers would cross Johnson Draw and Government Canyon before arriving at Howard Draw and Howard Springs.
From Howard Springs, it was another 30.44 miles to Live Oak Creek. Just 3 miles further from Live Oak Creek was Fort Lancaster, which was located near the Pecos River. These distances show how important Howard Draw was as a landmark and a resting point on this long and challenging road.
